Plans Underway for VAR Technology at Haverfordwest County’s Bridge Meadow Stadium
Haverfordwest County AFC, a semi-professional football club based in Pembrokeshire, could soon become one of the few clubs outside the top divisions in the UK to boast a state-of-the-art VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has formally lodged a planning application with Pembrokeshire County Council to facilitate the installation of a dedicated Video Operations Room at the club’s Bridge Meadow Stadium.
The submitted proposal marks a significant step for Welsh football, especially for teams competing in the Cymru Premier, the nation’s top league. According to documentation prepared by planning agent Wardell Armstrong on behalf of the FAW, the move is seen as an opportunity to modernise football infrastructure in Wales, raising not only the quality of refereeing but also the overall reputation of the domestic game. The application is part of the FAW’s broader strategic plan, titled the Cymru Premier Strategy 2024-2030, which sets out ambitious targets to improve club facilities, enhance league branding, and boost the standard of play over the coming years.
Introducing VAR at this level of the game is a response to growing demands for greater accuracy and consistency in decision-making, particularly for matches broadcast to wider audiences or those carrying significant consequences in terms of league standings. The FAW’s statement underlines how VAR has contributed to refining refereeing worldwide, stating, “The implementation of VAR as part of this plan will allow referees to perform at the highest possible level, providing quality decision-making to benefit players, fans and television audiences.”
The technology, which has become synonymous with elite football competitions globally, involves a team of qualified officials monitoring live video feeds from various camera angles. These officials are tasked with assisting referees in ruling on contentious incidents such as goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity – all with the aim of reducing human error. Currently, over 70 countries have leagues making use of VAR, which has grown both in sophistication and acceptance since its initial introduction in professional football.
Notably, the FAW has indicated it will adopt a tailored version called ‘VAR Light’ from the 2025/2026 season for all Cymru Premier matches. This streamlined system will function on the same principles as full VAR but will omit a replay operator, potentially making the setup more accessible and cost-effective for semi-professional teams. Video feeds will be relayed directly to the newly proposed Video Operations Room, where the assistant referee will be stationed.
A designated Referee Review Area is also planned, situated next to the football pitch, allowing match referees to consult pitchside monitors during games—a familiar scene for followers of top-tier football. Such features are intended to mirror the practices observed in more prominent competitions, albeit on a scale appropriate for Welsh semi-professional football.
After thorough inspection of existing stadium infrastructure, consultants concluded that the current facilities at Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium could not house the necessary operations room without additional construction. This has prompted the application for new accommodation to specifically meet the technological requirements of the VAR system.
The prospect of VAR’s arrival in Pembrokeshire comes at a time when football authorities worldwide are balancing the potential benefits of advanced technology against concerns over cost, match flow, and the spirit of the game. Supporters and critics alike will be watching closely to assess how efficiently the system integrates with the matchday experience at this level.
Pembrokeshire County Council will conduct a formal review of the application in the coming weeks. If approved, Haverfordwest County could not only enjoy a technological advantage but may also lay down a blueprint for other semi-professional clubs across Wales looking to modernise their facilities. This development would place Haverfordwest at the forefront of innovation in Welsh football, potentially signalling a new era for officiating standards and club infrastructure in the Cymru Premier.
As Welsh football continues to climb in both visibility and professionalism, the planned introduction of VAR at the semi-professional level reflects the ambition of those driving the sport forward in the region. The ultimate decision now lies with local planning authorities, but the conversation surrounding technology’s place in the grassroots game is sure to intensify in the months ahead.